See Trees in a Different Light
Be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. You will be awed and delighted to see returning favorites and surprising new sights. Enjoy seasonal music, marvel at ever-changing, captivating lighting designs, and warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink or roast marshmallows for s’mores. Illumination will highlight the many gifts of trees: natural beauty, increased feelings of peace and calm, homes for wildlife, and the air we breathe.
This one-of-a-kind, interactive spectacle of color, light, and sound has been delighting audiences since 2013. Now in its ninth year, Illumination returns to a walking experience, allowing guests to enjoy the displays at their own pace.
IllumiBrew returns for two nights on November 18 and 19
Be among the first to see Illumination while you sample seasonal beers, ciders, and meads from popular Chicagoland breweries stationed along the trail. This event is for ages 21+ only. Tickets go on sale October 1. Learn more >
Tickets Go on Sale October 1
Member Early-Bird Rates (Available Oct 1 - 31)
Peak: Adult – $17, Child (2-17) – $10
Standard: Adult – $12, Child (2-17) – $7
Member Tickets (Starting Nov 1)
Peak: Adult – $19, Child (2-17) – $11
Standard: Adult – $14, Child (2-17) – $8
Guest Tickets
Peak: Adult – $24, Child (2-17) – $16
Standard: Adult – $19, Child (2-17) – $13
AnyDay Tickets For Members
Members have the exclusive opportunity to purchase AnyDay tickets for $30 during the October 1-31 early-bird pre-sale period. These special single-use tickets can be used once by either an adult or a child, at any entry time, on any day of Illumination. A limited number are available; members are limited to the purchase of 10 AnyDay tickets per membership.
Museums for All
There will be a limited number of weeknights (Monday through Thursday) available at a reduced rate to guests with a state-issued EBT card (also known as a LINK card) or a valid WIC card, through the Museums for All program. Once tickets are on sale starting October 1, tickets can be purchased online or in person, as long as the date is not sold out. When purchasing on-site, purchasers are required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to receive the discounted rate. When purchasing online, purchasers will receive an email confirmation and will be required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to pick up their tickets the night of the event. This Illumination-specific discount is an extension of the popular Museums for All program, a partnership between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), which has allowed over 3,600 low-income and under-served individuals to visit the Arboretum since 2016.
